Unrest In Egypt

November 22, 2011

Political activists have called for nationwide "million man marches" on Nov. 22 in response to ongoing clashes between protesters and security forces controlled by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF.) The marches and protests are likely to be largest in the following locations: Cairo, Tahrir Square; Alexandria, Qaid Ibrahim Mosque, Army Northern Command Military; and Suez, Arbaeen Square.

Protests in other locations may occur with little or no warning. Clashes between security forces and protesters in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, and elsewhere have been ongoing since Nov. 19, and may continue to escalate during the upcoming protests. Security forces have reportedly behaved in a highly aggressive fashion, using large amounts of rubber bullets, birdshot pellets, and powerful chemical agents in attempts to disperse crowds.

The unrest initially broke out early Nov. 19 after a few hundred protesters attempted to set up a protest encampment in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Security forces cracked down harshly, prompting thousands of protesters to rush to the scene and join the clashes. At least 33 people have been killed and more than 1,700 have been injured since then, and the casualty count is likely to rise as clashes continue.

Protesters are calling for Field Marshal Mohammed Tantawi, the current head of SCAF, to resign immediately and for SCAF to institute a credible plan for the transfer of power to civilians. In response to the unrest, the country's civilian cabinet resigned en masse. It is currently unclear whether SCAF will accept the resignations - while the civilian cabinet's authority had been highly curtailed, SCAF may need the veneer of civilian participation in order to maintain its legitimacy.

The status of the country's parliamentary elections, slated to begin on Nov. 28, is uncertain. While government spokespeople have said the elections will proceed as scheduled, a number of candidates have suspended campaign activities in protest of the unrest.

Avoid all protests and areas where protests are likely to occur, including prominent intersections, religious sites, government buildings, police stations, and military headquarters. If violence breaks out, seek shelter in a relatively secure location such as a hotel until the unrest subsides. Heed the instructions of authorities. If exposed to a chemical agent, seek medical attention immediately.

Return to Traveler Center		Unrest In Egypt November 22, 2011 Political activists have called for nationwide "million man marches" on Nov. 22 in response to ongoing clashes between protesters and security forces controlled by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF.) The marches and protests are likely to be largest in the following locations: Cairo, Tahrir Square; Alexandria, Qaid Ibrahim Mosque, Army Northern Command Military; and Suez, Arbaeen Square. Protests in other locations may occur with little or no warning. Clashes between security forces and protesters in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, and elsewhere have been ongoing since Nov. 19, and may continue to escalate during the upcoming protests. Security forces have reportedly behaved in a highly aggressive fashion, using large amounts of rubber bullets, birdshot pellets, and powerful chemical agents in attempts to disperse crowds. The unrest initially broke out early Nov. 19 after a few hundred protesters attempted to set up a protest encampment in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Security forces cracked down harshly, prompting thousands of protesters to rush to the scene and join the clashes. At least 33 people have been killed and more than 1,700 have been injured since then, and the casualty count is likely to rise as clashes continue. Protesters are calling for Field Marshal Mohammed Tantawi, the current head of SCAF, to resign immediately and for SCAF to institute a credible plan for the transfer of power to civilians. In response to the unrest, the country's civilian cabinet resigned en masse. It is currently unclear whether SCAF will accept the resignations - while the civilian cabinet's authority had been highly curtailed, SCAF may need the veneer of civilian participation in order to maintain its legitimacy. The status of the country's parliamentary elections, slated to begin on Nov. 28, is uncertain. While government spokespeople have said the elections will proceed as scheduled, a number of candidates have suspended campaign activities in protest of the unrest. Avoid all protests and areas where protests are likely to occur, including prominent intersections, religious sites, government buildings, police stations, and military headquarters. If violence breaks out, seek shelter in a relatively secure location such as a hotel until the unrest subsides. Heed the instructions of authorities. If exposed to a chemical agent, seek medical attention immediately.